Accreditation

 State-Specific Use of Degrees from Unaccredited Institutions

Certain U.S. states regulate the use of degrees issued by institutions that are not accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor. These regulations may affect the use of a degree for employment, licensure, public representation, or academic transfer.

Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the laws and regulations applicable in their state of residence prior to enrollment.

Below is a summary of important state-specific considerations:

Florida

Under Florida Statute §817.567, it is a first-degree misdemeanor to publicly claim a degree or title such as “Dr.” or “Ph.D.” unless it is from a USDE-recognized accredited institution or one licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and meeting specific criteria. This includes usage on résumés, job applications, or marketing materials. Restrictions lift once accreditation is achieved.

Oregon

Oregon requires approval by its Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC-ODA) for any degree to be used legally in employment contexts within the state. Unaccredited degrees may not be listed on résumés or used professionally unless specifically approved. This applies to out-of-state distance education providers as well.

Texas

Texas Penal Code §32.52 classifies the use of a “fraudulent or substandard degree” as a Class B misdemeanor if used to obtain employment, licensure, admission, or business promotion. Degrees from unaccredited institutions may be considered “substandard” under this law unless issued by a THECB-recognized accreditor (such as DEAC, post-accreditation).

New Jersey

New Jersey prohibits the use of unaccredited degrees for employment or professional representation unless the institution is accredited by a USDE-recognized body or is actively seeking such accreditation. Students from New Jersey should be made aware that until accreditation is achieved, the degree may not be recognized as valid in the state.

California

California Education Code §94897(p) requires clear disclosure that unaccredited degrees may not be recognized for some employment positions, particularly with the State of California. Institutions must inform prospective students about the unaccredited status and related limitations before enrollment.

Washington

It is a gross misdemeanor in Washington to knowingly use a degree from an unaccredited institution unless that institution has received authorization or exemption from the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). Offering or using such a degree without proper status is prohibited under RCW 9A.60.070

Illinois

Under 720 ILCS 5/17-2.5, knowingly using a “false academic degree” to obtain employment or promotion is a Class A misdemeanor. Institutions generally must be accredited or authorized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. New in-state schools are required to become accredited within five years.

Indiana

Indiana prohibits unaccredited institutions from operating as degree-granting schools unless they are religious in nature or actively pursuing accreditation. Use of credentials from unaccredited schools is legally restricted.

Maine

It is a Class D crime in Maine to knowingly use a “false academic degree” to gain employment or professional standing. The state takes a cautious stance on unaccredited degrees and maintains oversight lists to help distinguish recognized institutions.

Michigan

Michigan law restricts use of unaccredited degrees for employment or promotion. The Civil Service Commission typically requires degrees from CHEA-recognized institutions for state employment. The term “false academic credential” is defined under MCL 390.1602 and 1604.

Missouri

Under Missouri Revised Statute §173.754, it is unlawful to use a “false or misleading degree” to seek employment or academic advancement. New non-accredited schools must disclose their unaccredited status and are expected to pursue accreditation.

Nevada

While no explicit criminal statute is cited, state agencies like the Nevada System of Higher Education and institutions such as UNLV generally reject unaccredited degrees for employment or academic transfer, especially in leadership roles.

North Dakota

It is a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly use a degree not issued by a “duly authorized institution of higher learning,” which includes accredited or state-recognized schools. Accreditation is generally required for institutions operating in or serving residents of North Dakota.

South Dakota

South Dakota law makes it a misdemeanor to use any false document suggesting program completion when the work was not actually completed. While the focus is on fraud, the state’s regulatory environment favors institutions with recognized accreditation.

Virginia

While most available information pertains to K–12 education, Virginia is listed among states with restrictions on unaccredited degree use. In practice, most professional and government roles require degrees from accredited institutions.

Our Commitment

These limitations apply only while the institution remains in its pre-accreditation phase. Once Paracelsus University obtains accreditation, these restrictions are expected to no longer apply.